A Corrosiveness Test for Fibrous Insulations

This paper describes the original development work for an insulation corrosiveness test that is used to test a variety of blanket, loose fill, and rigid fibrous insulations. The test, which provides a relative comparison of insulation corrosiveness with that of an inert control material at elevated temperature and humidity conditions, is reliable and reproducible when properly performed. The test is useful as a product development tool to qualify new insulation products and product formulation changes. The test consists of placing insulation and specially cleaned cotton controls against metal coupons and exposing them to 49° C (120° F) and 95% relative humidity conditions. After exposure, the coupons are ranked in order of corrosiveness by a panel of judges. A nonparametric statistical method is used to identify insulations that are more corrosive than the inert control material. Condition of the metal surfaces, cleanliness of the inert cotton control material, and uniform contact of the insulation against the metal surfaces were three areas identified as critical in conducting the corrosion test.